What a better way to encourage hand washing than to play in a big tub of soapy water!
Materials:
Dish tub, cooking pot, plastic “shoebox,” or any shallow container to hold about a quart of water.
soap
Toy animals or cars
Nailbrush, dish brush, or old toothbrush; sponges or scrubbers (optional)
Bath towel for the floor!
Directions
6-12m: let the babies splash in the water. Drop a toy in to see if they can find it.
12-24m: Show them how to wash the toys, and really let them explore the materials. Name each item as you wash it.
2-3y: show them the steps of dipping, scrubbing, drying with a small towel or corner of the bath towel. Set up a pile for “dirty” and “clean.” Name the parts of each animal/car as you scrub them.
Here is Archie demonstrating his animal bath. This kept him busy for about an hour yesterday!